Iranian President Mohammad Khatami says he is optimistic that ongoing talks with European envoys will yield a solution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
Mr. Khatami Tuesday repeated that Iran is ready to offer assurances it will not pursue nuclear weapons. But he said the European Union must first endorse Tehran's right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
He also cautioned that Iran will not be pressured into suspending its nuclear activities.
The United States has accused Iran of using its nuclear program as a cover for the secret development of nuclear weapons. U.S. diplomats are pressing the International Atomic Energy Agency to refer the matter to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.
Talks between EU diplomats and Iranian officials resume Friday.